It is most unfortunate, but in the last week I have either witnessed or heard about the robbery of mzungus. Since I have been in Africa, I make it a point to never carry a bag at night. If it can't fit into my pockets, it doesn't come with me. I figured especially after having a computer on the bus, I would like to leave with everything else that I came with. Also, it is just a good rule to follow whenever you are a stranger in a strange land and clearly stand out.
Last night I went to a phone center about a 5-7 minute walk from my flat. I needed to make some calls to America. It was evening and dark, and I usually walk down these streets but always at a rapid pace. People will say hello and I reply back, but I never usually stop because this is when things are go wrong for you here.
On my way home from the phone center, I saw a couple walking in front of me. They were foreigners like me, and I had seen them for the past two weeks near my flat. I never spoke to them, but I watched them walk carelessly down the street. They both had bags and weren't really paying attention to the people around them. I have heard of cars driving slowly behind foreigners with bags and then snatching the bag and speeding off and I thought they were perfect candidates from such an event. Since I was walking quickly, I passed them. I stopped at the chicken barbecue place at the corner of my street where I often get dinner. Ali, the owner, is really nice and often watches out for me when I am on the street and some stranger approaches me.
I placed my order with Ali and took a seat to wait for my food. About 5 minutes later, I saw the couple pass me and the man was also carrying a 5 litre bottle of water. Again, I saw his bag just dangling off of his shoulder. About 20 seconds later, we heard this painful scream coming from down the road. I thought someone was hurt and everyone at the stand ran to the middle of the street where we all saw the man (without his bag) screaming and running down the street. Apparently, a car came next to him and a person snatched his bag and the car sped off. I felt really bad for the guy, and apparently he has been coming to Dar twice a year for several years which could explain his over confidence walking in the evening with a bag.
Also, this past weekend, I heard about an American heading to Zanzibar from Dar being held up near the ferry station from a man he struck up a friendly conversation with earlier in the day. He decided to walk alone through some alleys around the ferry. It was midday and so you would think it should be okay. Well the American guy's new friend pulled up in a car next to him with his friends and forced the American guy into the car at gunpoint. The thieves made off with all of his stuff, except for his passport, ferry ticket, his camera memory card and some money.
Thankfully I haven't had any weird and/or dangerous encounters recently unless you want to count my daily dala-dalah rides to and from work.:)
However, Dar es salaam is not more dangerous than San Francisco really. Most people here are really friendly, nice and helpful. But you can never get too comfortable here because someone may be watching you and waiting for to get careless.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
My newest find...
Last night, I went out to dinner with my flat mate, Roberto, 2 Kiva fellows, Ann and Katie, and Roberto's friend, George, an Israel diamond dealer. We went to this great Ethiopian spot located in the Masaki area. And George actually had diamonds with him, which he happily let us look at. They were rough cut, unpolished small diamonds. I have never seen one before, and I probably still wouldn't know it was a diamond unless someone told me. Unfortunately, I did not get any diamonds last night, but I did buy an automatic bottle opener from the bartender at the restaurant. Here is it: (isn't it a beauty?)
I was so excited when the bartender opened our beer bottles with it that I told him that I really like it. He said he had an extra one and sold it to me for 5000 TSH, or roughly $3.30. Although I bought this lovely beauty here in Dar es salaam, it is actually made in China. They also had these neat toothpick holders, which I was also tempted to buy - I don't know why.
Things are going well here in Dar. I am finally settling in, and starting to make friends, which is really great. I am also starting to just settle in like the locals. For example, the dala dalah (bus) rides can be quite intense. The other day on my way home from work, I attempted to get off the bus at the last stop, but before I could get off, people were jumping through the windows and pushing through the door. I was tossed around quite a bit until I finally said "move!" and pushed my way out. Yesterday, I had to tell a few people to please not lay their bodies across my head and face. When I got home my roommate, Roberto, asked me if I got sunburned until I realized that my face was probably chafted from the backsides, purses and other bags that scraped across my cheeks on the bus. At one point, I just put my arm up as a barrier, it sort of worked :)
It is funny because the mzungu, or white people, here sort of complain about the bus, including myself. But I was thinking that the bus experience actually reminds me of trying to board the 38 Geary to and from the downtown area during commuter hours. I think people, like me, are eager to get home after a long day working, so they get super aggressive on the bus. My first two weeks, I was so polite, but as you can see from above, I am starting to just muscle my way on and off the buses now, just like the locals :) They don't seem to mind...
I was so excited when the bartender opened our beer bottles with it that I told him that I really like it. He said he had an extra one and sold it to me for 5000 TSH, or roughly $3.30. Although I bought this lovely beauty here in Dar es salaam, it is actually made in China. They also had these neat toothpick holders, which I was also tempted to buy - I don't know why.
Things are going well here in Dar. I am finally settling in, and starting to make friends, which is really great. I am also starting to just settle in like the locals. For example, the dala dalah (bus) rides can be quite intense. The other day on my way home from work, I attempted to get off the bus at the last stop, but before I could get off, people were jumping through the windows and pushing through the door. I was tossed around quite a bit until I finally said "move!" and pushed my way out. Yesterday, I had to tell a few people to please not lay their bodies across my head and face. When I got home my roommate, Roberto, asked me if I got sunburned until I realized that my face was probably chafted from the backsides, purses and other bags that scraped across my cheeks on the bus. At one point, I just put my arm up as a barrier, it sort of worked :)
It is funny because the mzungu, or white people, here sort of complain about the bus, including myself. But I was thinking that the bus experience actually reminds me of trying to board the 38 Geary to and from the downtown area during commuter hours. I think people, like me, are eager to get home after a long day working, so they get super aggressive on the bus. My first two weeks, I was so polite, but as you can see from above, I am starting to just muscle my way on and off the buses now, just like the locals :) They don't seem to mind...
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Some Photos
I don't really have many stories, so I thought I would just post a few pictures.
Here is a photo of a leaf that can be used to create hair extensions for ladies on Zanzibar island.
Here is a photo of me at Bjewuu beach located on the island of Zanzibar.
Here is a photo of a narrow street in Stownstown, Zanzibar. What I liked about this photo is that there is a Chinese restaurant across from an English flag, which is near an Italian scooter with three Canadians walking.
And finally - here is a picture of a Tanzanian sunset which I took from the backyard of the first house I stayed at in Dar es salaam.
A new fellow, Ann, just arrived 2 days ago. I am very excited to have another American around and I hope to explore more of Dar es salaam now that I have a companion. And hopefully, as a result, I will have more blog postings.
Asante sana (thank you very much).
Here is a photo of a leaf that can be used to create hair extensions for ladies on Zanzibar island. Here is a photo of me at Bjewuu beach located on the island of Zanzibar.
Here is a photo of a narrow street in Stownstown, Zanzibar. What I liked about this photo is that there is a Chinese restaurant across from an English flag, which is near an Italian scooter with three Canadians walking.
And finally - here is a picture of a Tanzanian sunset which I took from the backyard of the first house I stayed at in Dar es salaam.
A new fellow, Ann, just arrived 2 days ago. I am very excited to have another American around and I hope to explore more of Dar es salaam now that I have a companion. And hopefully, as a result, I will have more blog postings.
Asante sana (thank you very much).
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
To serve and protect
This phrase it was we often see on police vehicles in America and what you would think that a police officer should do for its citizens. However, I have found that in Africa, many people have the same feelings of fear and disgust that many Americans have of police officers.
When I was in Ghana, I remember hearing stories about corrupt cops pulling vehicles over for any small infraction or no infraction just to illicit a bribe. Well last night, I believe I witnessed such an occurrence, even though I did not see it actually happen.
My day began pretty uneventfully. I did my routine morning walk to the internet cafe to catch up on emails and then I headed to the office of the MFI that I am currently helping out in Dar es salaam. Their system was down, just as it had the day before, so I walked home. Before I left the office, I made plans with another foreign girl working in the office to have dinner in the Masaki area. After work, we took a local bus, or dalla dalla, to Masaki. That is when things started to get a little too adventurous.
The bus was packed and there was a traffic jam. Our bus driver decided that he did not want to wait for his turn, so he drove onto the curb into the sidewalk full of pedestrians pass the gridlock. First, I watched in horror as pedestrians were quickly getting out the way of the bus, and then I finally closed my eyes and prayed that we did not hit anyone. Then the bus drove off the curb onto the street narrowly missing a car. Shortly thereafter, we got off the bus to my relief.
Then we had to cross a highway to get to a tuk tuk (3 wheeled vehicle). While my work friend was negotiating the price with one tuk tuk driver, another tuk tuk driver came over and told my friend in Swahili that he was there first and so we should take his tuk tuk. Our tuk tuk driver denied this , and we got in. As our tuk tuk driver attempted to start his vehicle and drive off the other tuk tuk driver was fiddling with something at the back of the vehicle which prevented the motor from starting. Finally, after the fourth attempt our tuk tuk driver drove off while the other tuk tuk driver yelled and ran behind our vehicle.
We finally got to our dinner destination, which is this little outdoor local restaurant known for great kebabs. I got to meet a few other people, and it was nice to finally just relax and shoot the breeze with some ladies.
When it was time to leave, we decided that I would take my own tuk tuk home because I live in a completely different area than my dinner companions. My gut was telling me to take a taxi because it was dark and tuk tuk driver usually don't know how to get to where I live. This is because tuk tuk drivers are prohibited from picking up fares from the city center, where I leave, but they can drop you off. But of course, I ignored my gut and got in. He was a nice guy and I actually shared the tuk tuk with another local guy for part of the trip.
Unfortunately once we got into the city center, I told him to make a left turn on a one way street, not realizing it was one way. You see I walk everywhere, so the concept of one way doesn't even phase me. Anyways, he did not even make the left turn yet, but was starting to do so, when I heard a yell from across the street. It was a cop with a rifle. He called us over and then he got into the tuk tuk with me. He rested his rifle between his legs as he explained that it was a one way street we were trying to turn down. I explained to the cop that it was my fault because I told the tuk tuk driver to turn left. Then in Swahili he started to direct my driver. I had no idea where they were going, and finally the cop asked me where I was heading. I told him Clock Tower, then he responded Mlimani city? (which is nowhere near Clock Tower and actually is clear across town). Finally I provided the cop with a major street near my house and we were off. I would be lying if I did not say that I was actually pretty nervous and scared because you have no idea what is going on, and I really wanted to ask the cop to please leave my tuk tuk, but he has a gun, so I figured it is better to not piss him off. I also quickly realized that this cop wanted a pay off but I wasn't sure if it was from me or my tuk tuk driver.
I would have gladly paid any fine but I did not really know how to approach the situation. Once we arrived at my house, the cop asked me if I paid the driver, which I quickly did, and they were off. I am pretty sure that my fare and maybe some other fares from that evening were paid to the cop.
After last night, I decided to carry a map of the city center with me so that I can show the driver where I need to go, and hopefully, not have a repeat of last night with the cop, the gun and my sad tuk tuk driver who probably had to pay off the cop.
When I was in Ghana, I remember hearing stories about corrupt cops pulling vehicles over for any small infraction or no infraction just to illicit a bribe. Well last night, I believe I witnessed such an occurrence, even though I did not see it actually happen.
My day began pretty uneventfully. I did my routine morning walk to the internet cafe to catch up on emails and then I headed to the office of the MFI that I am currently helping out in Dar es salaam. Their system was down, just as it had the day before, so I walked home. Before I left the office, I made plans with another foreign girl working in the office to have dinner in the Masaki area. After work, we took a local bus, or dalla dalla, to Masaki. That is when things started to get a little too adventurous.
The bus was packed and there was a traffic jam. Our bus driver decided that he did not want to wait for his turn, so he drove onto the curb into the sidewalk full of pedestrians pass the gridlock. First, I watched in horror as pedestrians were quickly getting out the way of the bus, and then I finally closed my eyes and prayed that we did not hit anyone. Then the bus drove off the curb onto the street narrowly missing a car. Shortly thereafter, we got off the bus to my relief.
Then we had to cross a highway to get to a tuk tuk (3 wheeled vehicle). While my work friend was negotiating the price with one tuk tuk driver, another tuk tuk driver came over and told my friend in Swahili that he was there first and so we should take his tuk tuk. Our tuk tuk driver denied this , and we got in. As our tuk tuk driver attempted to start his vehicle and drive off the other tuk tuk driver was fiddling with something at the back of the vehicle which prevented the motor from starting. Finally, after the fourth attempt our tuk tuk driver drove off while the other tuk tuk driver yelled and ran behind our vehicle.
We finally got to our dinner destination, which is this little outdoor local restaurant known for great kebabs. I got to meet a few other people, and it was nice to finally just relax and shoot the breeze with some ladies.
When it was time to leave, we decided that I would take my own tuk tuk home because I live in a completely different area than my dinner companions. My gut was telling me to take a taxi because it was dark and tuk tuk driver usually don't know how to get to where I live. This is because tuk tuk drivers are prohibited from picking up fares from the city center, where I leave, but they can drop you off. But of course, I ignored my gut and got in. He was a nice guy and I actually shared the tuk tuk with another local guy for part of the trip.
Unfortunately once we got into the city center, I told him to make a left turn on a one way street, not realizing it was one way. You see I walk everywhere, so the concept of one way doesn't even phase me. Anyways, he did not even make the left turn yet, but was starting to do so, when I heard a yell from across the street. It was a cop with a rifle. He called us over and then he got into the tuk tuk with me. He rested his rifle between his legs as he explained that it was a one way street we were trying to turn down. I explained to the cop that it was my fault because I told the tuk tuk driver to turn left. Then in Swahili he started to direct my driver. I had no idea where they were going, and finally the cop asked me where I was heading. I told him Clock Tower, then he responded Mlimani city? (which is nowhere near Clock Tower and actually is clear across town). Finally I provided the cop with a major street near my house and we were off. I would be lying if I did not say that I was actually pretty nervous and scared because you have no idea what is going on, and I really wanted to ask the cop to please leave my tuk tuk, but he has a gun, so I figured it is better to not piss him off. I also quickly realized that this cop wanted a pay off but I wasn't sure if it was from me or my tuk tuk driver.
I would have gladly paid any fine but I did not really know how to approach the situation. Once we arrived at my house, the cop asked me if I paid the driver, which I quickly did, and they were off. I am pretty sure that my fare and maybe some other fares from that evening were paid to the cop.
After last night, I decided to carry a map of the city center with me so that I can show the driver where I need to go, and hopefully, not have a repeat of last night with the cop, the gun and my sad tuk tuk driver who probably had to pay off the cop.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
I've moved!!
Well actually I finally found the place that I will call home for the next 1 1/2 months that I plan to stay in Dar es salaam. I live in the City Center near the "clock tower." Just in case anyone every spends any time in Dar es salaam in the near future:) My roommates are two pilots for Air Tanzanian, Sharad, a married father of one from Mauritius and a Spanish guy name Roberto, who I have yet to meet. We live in a 3 bedroom flat for $600 a month, or $200 each. The last place I was staying at was $400, plus cable, electricity and the maid. It was in Msasani, which is a pretty nice area, and I had the most gorgeous views of sunset over the bay, but I had to live a crazy Tanzanian woman.
I almost decided to live there until one night after she smoked herself out while reading the bible, she decided to tell me about Jesus Christ and how he saved her life. I polite told her that I do not like to discuss religion, and also I just really did not want to hear her personal problems. I mean seriously, I had only been there for 4 days, and I thought this is a little personal. However, what really got me was that she had been reflecting on why someone would steal a laptop from me (one of 2 foreigners on a 16 hour bus ride), and she decided that it was because I did not have God in my life and that if I embraced Jesus Christ bad things wouldn't happen to me. Let's just say that the next day I moved out of there and was glad to be out!
My new place is better in the sense that I have more space, privacy, and cheap eats around. Sharad, being the father of a young daughter, has definitely shown me around and made sure that I had what I needed in the flat. We haven't had running water for over 2 days now, and have had to take bucket showers, which isn't so bad except that you have to go to the corner store and buy 6 and 12 liter bottles of water and walk up to the 4th floor. However, I really enjoy living in a more local area where I have more interaction with locals than other foreigners. It really gives you a better sense of what life is like here.
As I said above, the rent is $600 a month (or $7200) for a flat, which got me thinking how could local people afford this rent. Just to give you a little background the average college educated person makes between $4500 - $6000 a year. An unskilled worker, such as our maid, makes 90,000 T Shillings or $60 per month, or about $720 per year, or $2 a day. You couldn't even buy a latte in America for $2. Even though I find this is true is most developing countries, including Vietnam and Ghana, it always surprises me. I am not sure why, but it does.
I spoke to my flatmate about this this morning. He said that all of the people in our building are not of African descent, but are Asian (Indian and Pakistan descent) and most own the local shops around our area because even an educated Tanzanian person with a family living on one income couldn't even afford the rent in our building.
Anyways, I hope to motivate myself to write more blogs, but I have not done much but read. I am waiting to see if I get another assignment from Kiva, and then hopefully my visitor (who hopefully will be securing his flight today) will come in September and I can freely travel around Africa.
Hope everyone is well!!
I almost decided to live there until one night after she smoked herself out while reading the bible, she decided to tell me about Jesus Christ and how he saved her life. I polite told her that I do not like to discuss religion, and also I just really did not want to hear her personal problems. I mean seriously, I had only been there for 4 days, and I thought this is a little personal. However, what really got me was that she had been reflecting on why someone would steal a laptop from me (one of 2 foreigners on a 16 hour bus ride), and she decided that it was because I did not have God in my life and that if I embraced Jesus Christ bad things wouldn't happen to me. Let's just say that the next day I moved out of there and was glad to be out!
My new place is better in the sense that I have more space, privacy, and cheap eats around. Sharad, being the father of a young daughter, has definitely shown me around and made sure that I had what I needed in the flat. We haven't had running water for over 2 days now, and have had to take bucket showers, which isn't so bad except that you have to go to the corner store and buy 6 and 12 liter bottles of water and walk up to the 4th floor. However, I really enjoy living in a more local area where I have more interaction with locals than other foreigners. It really gives you a better sense of what life is like here.
As I said above, the rent is $600 a month (or $7200) for a flat, which got me thinking how could local people afford this rent. Just to give you a little background the average college educated person makes between $4500 - $6000 a year. An unskilled worker, such as our maid, makes 90,000 T Shillings or $60 per month, or about $720 per year, or $2 a day. You couldn't even buy a latte in America for $2. Even though I find this is true is most developing countries, including Vietnam and Ghana, it always surprises me. I am not sure why, but it does.
I spoke to my flatmate about this this morning. He said that all of the people in our building are not of African descent, but are Asian (Indian and Pakistan descent) and most own the local shops around our area because even an educated Tanzanian person with a family living on one income couldn't even afford the rent in our building.
Anyways, I hope to motivate myself to write more blogs, but I have not done much but read. I am waiting to see if I get another assignment from Kiva, and then hopefully my visitor (who hopefully will be securing his flight today) will come in September and I can freely travel around Africa.
Hope everyone is well!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Bombing in Uganda
I just heard about the terrible bombing in Uganda that left over 40 people dead. The sad part about it was that the bombing targeted World Cup watchers. I immediately checked the United States Travel Warnings to see if there were any known dangers in Tanzania because it is in the same region as Uganda. Thankfully no warnings have been issues and I haven't seen anything that has caused me any concern. But I will definitely be paying close attention to my surroundings.
There are 2 Kiva fellows in Uganda currently, but they just sent us an email letting the other Kiva fellows know that they are safe and waiting for word on what to do next. Africa is sort of funny that way as you can feel totally safe and then you hear about some uprising and violence in a neighboring country. All you can really do is keep yourself safe, and be sure to check in with your Embassy. I haven't felt any negative sentiments towards American at all, and in fact, the locals usually ask me to pass along their greetings to Obama. I guess I am lucky that we have a half African president in power while I am exploring the region.
Nothing else to report except that I stayed the night at a house where a former fellow lived. I wanted to watch the world cup, but the landlady had a friend over who sort of just took over the living space and blasted the t.v. all night. It was weird and I hope to find a more permanent less freaky living situation in a near future.
There are 2 Kiva fellows in Uganda currently, but they just sent us an email letting the other Kiva fellows know that they are safe and waiting for word on what to do next. Africa is sort of funny that way as you can feel totally safe and then you hear about some uprising and violence in a neighboring country. All you can really do is keep yourself safe, and be sure to check in with your Embassy. I haven't felt any negative sentiments towards American at all, and in fact, the locals usually ask me to pass along their greetings to Obama. I guess I am lucky that we have a half African president in power while I am exploring the region.
Nothing else to report except that I stayed the night at a house where a former fellow lived. I wanted to watch the world cup, but the landlady had a friend over who sort of just took over the living space and blasted the t.v. all night. It was weird and I hope to find a more permanent less freaky living situation in a near future.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Do you like Barack Obama?
I left Ghana this past Friday, and headed to Nairobi before heading to Dar es salaam, Tanzania. When you entered Nairobi, you have to pay $25 in US Currency or the British Pounds equivalent. Unfortunately for me, I only had two $20 and no one told me you needed exact change. As I was waiting for my visa to be processed, I noticed that the immigration officer did not offer me any change. So I asked him for my change, and he gave me back $10 and told me to give him $5. I wasn't sure if he was joking or serious, but I jokingly asked him if he liked Barack Obama. He said yes, and I told him that I was going to call Barack Obama and tell him that the immigration officer kept my $5. He then laughed, gave me back my $5 and said it would have cost me $10 to call Barack Obama. When I told my field support person the story, she was mortified because the immigration officer was serious about not giving me my change.
Anyways, Nairobi was good, but expensive. I packed in a lot in 2 days. I went to one of the largest slums to visit a school, saw some handmade bags made from recycled clothing, specifically, sweaters, and I even saw some baby elephants being fed. I also went to an event call Wine and Blankets where we saw live African jazzy type of music. I also attended a nice bbq where I finally got a decent hamburger and learned to play beer pong. It was nice, but I was eager to get to Tanzania and get settled. However, things did not go as planned, as this is the story of my life in Africa. At some point, bad things just sort of happen to everyone here, and so you just stopped caring so much.
Back to my story.... I woke up late and had to rush to catch my supposed 12 hour bus ride from Nairobi to Dar es salaam - in reality it is about 16 hours. I was given a laptop moments before I caught the bus and placed it under the seat in front of me. I got off the bus twice for about 5 minutes to use the restroom, and I only took my backpack with my money and passport. Unfortunately, someone on the bus nicked the computer and I felt sad because it wasn't even mine. I told the police conductor who than drove the bus to the police station, where the police conducted a search of everyone on the bus. People were getting on and off the bus during this 16 hour journey, so they were probably gone :( The police felt bad and all of the Tanzanian people felt bad, and I felt bad. Luckily a very nice German woman stayed with me and took me to the hotel where she was staying as it was about 10:40 p.m. She said that I was surprisingly calm about the whole experience. I told her that so many other things have happened to me since I have been in Africa that there is no point in getting upset anymore. I am safe and I still have money and my passport, so I am good.
I have to say that Africa has been the most difficult place (Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania) I have traveled, but really it is just weird circumstances. Many people here are poor and it is hard to blame them when you are not being careful and you are creating easy opportunities for them to steal from you. And most of the local people that I have come across have been very lovely and helpful, so I don't want to let a few unfortunate experiences taint my overall experience here. I keep hoping that it will get better, and in some ways it has because I am handling the difficulties much better than before.
Hope you are all well, and I look forward to exploring Tanzania and having a great time here, even if there are a few more bumps in the road!
Anyways, Nairobi was good, but expensive. I packed in a lot in 2 days. I went to one of the largest slums to visit a school, saw some handmade bags made from recycled clothing, specifically, sweaters, and I even saw some baby elephants being fed. I also went to an event call Wine and Blankets where we saw live African jazzy type of music. I also attended a nice bbq where I finally got a decent hamburger and learned to play beer pong. It was nice, but I was eager to get to Tanzania and get settled. However, things did not go as planned, as this is the story of my life in Africa. At some point, bad things just sort of happen to everyone here, and so you just stopped caring so much.
Back to my story.... I woke up late and had to rush to catch my supposed 12 hour bus ride from Nairobi to Dar es salaam - in reality it is about 16 hours. I was given a laptop moments before I caught the bus and placed it under the seat in front of me. I got off the bus twice for about 5 minutes to use the restroom, and I only took my backpack with my money and passport. Unfortunately, someone on the bus nicked the computer and I felt sad because it wasn't even mine. I told the police conductor who than drove the bus to the police station, where the police conducted a search of everyone on the bus. People were getting on and off the bus during this 16 hour journey, so they were probably gone :( The police felt bad and all of the Tanzanian people felt bad, and I felt bad. Luckily a very nice German woman stayed with me and took me to the hotel where she was staying as it was about 10:40 p.m. She said that I was surprisingly calm about the whole experience. I told her that so many other things have happened to me since I have been in Africa that there is no point in getting upset anymore. I am safe and I still have money and my passport, so I am good.
I have to say that Africa has been the most difficult place (Ghana, Kenya and Tanzania) I have traveled, but really it is just weird circumstances. Many people here are poor and it is hard to blame them when you are not being careful and you are creating easy opportunities for them to steal from you. And most of the local people that I have come across have been very lovely and helpful, so I don't want to let a few unfortunate experiences taint my overall experience here. I keep hoping that it will get better, and in some ways it has because I am handling the difficulties much better than before.
Hope you are all well, and I look forward to exploring Tanzania and having a great time here, even if there are a few more bumps in the road!
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